The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-07-31

A little before James Burbank and Ed
ward Carol returned Castle House They
had seen nothing alarming at Jacksonville.
The boats were in their usual place, some
noored to the pier. others anchored out in the
| stream. A few detachments of confederates mad
been the left bank of the river, march
ing towards the north, towards Nassau county
| Nothing seemed to threaten Candles BAY.
When they reached the end of the estuary
Burbank and his companion had looked out over
tho open sea- There not sail in sight. Not
cloud of smoke from some steamer could be
traced on the horizon to indicate the presence or
/ approach of squadron. Preparations for de-
| Tense there were none. There were no batteries,
no earthworks. Ii the federal ships appeared,
| either at Nassau creek or at the mouth of the
| ST. Johns. there nothing to stop them.
| Only Pablo light house was dsmantled; the lam
| tern unshipped, and the passes were thus
unghted. But that would only prevent the
entrance OF fotilla during the night.
Such was the report they brought back with
them. There seemed to be nothing doing at
Jacksonville to indicate an approaching attack
on Candles Bay.
That is WELL" said Mr.. Stannard, 'but it is
unsatisfactory that DuDont's ships are not yet in
sight there is delay there that | cannot I'M
derstand'
Eyes. said Carroll 'if the fleet sailed the day
before yesterday from St. Andrews Bay. it
ought to be off Fernandina-"
sit has been very bad weather during these
last two or three days" said James Burbonk.
1T is possible that with these westerly winds
Dupont has had TO 60 out to sea. The wind
went down this morning, and should not be
MAY heaven listen to you. my dear James"
said Mrs. Burbank. land come to our help"
IF Pablo lighthouse" said Alice. sis not
lighted, how could the f1otilla ger into the st.
Johns to-niehtf
1T would De impossible for them to get into
the st. Johns" said Burbank. But before at
lacking the mouths of the river the federals
would have to capture Amelia island and then
Fernandina, sas to command the railway to
Cedar Keys. do not expect Duponts vessels
up the St Johns for three four days"
IS said Knit I
hope the capture of Fernandna would force the
confederatesg to retreat The militia might even
abandon Jacksonville before the arrival of the
eunboats. Then Candles Bay would no longer
be threatened by Texar and his accomplices-"
That is possible" said James Burbank.
"Once the federals set foot in Florida, safety
will be, 20 certain extent, secured. Is there
any news on the plantation!"
None" said Alice. 81 heard from Zermah
that the blacks had gone to work as usual. and
that they ready to fight to the last in defense
of Candles Bay"
Let US hope that we shall not have to put
their devotion to the proof shall not be at all
surprised if the scoundrels who have got the
upper hand at Jacksonville take themselves off
soon the federal feet is signaled But we
must be on our guard. After lunch, Stannard,
come with Carol and me over to the most
posed part of the estate l do not want you and
Alice to be in much danger here as at Jack.
sonville In truth, l shall never forgive myself
for bringing you here if things turn out badly"
My dear James, said Stannard, eff we had
stayed in our house at Jacksonville, we should
nave Deen exposed TO the eXactlOnS or the
thorities, like all the rest who hold antislavery
opinions"
I'm any case. Mr. Burbank" said Alice, "even
If the danger is greater here, is it not better for
us to share it with your
Yes, my dear girl" said James Burbank
Come on hope and think that Texar will
not have time to put his scheme against our men
into execution"
During the afternoon Burbank and his friends
visited the barracooDs with Mr.. Perry. They
could see for themselves that the feeling among
the blacks excellent. Burbank called the
overseer's attention to the zeal with which the
newly freed negroes had returned to work. Not
one was absent from his post
Yes. yes" answered Perry. "But we have
to see how the work will turn out in the end"
but they did not change their arms when
thew changed their condition, did theyP
mot yet; but you will soon that they have
not the same hands at the end of the arms"
''Wel, Perry" replied Burbank gaily, their
hands will always have five fingers. l imagine
and cannot expect them to have more"
AS the round had been made. Mr. Bur-
bank and his friends returned TO Castle House
The evening passed as quietly the last In
the absence of all news from Jackson vile there
seemed to be ground for hope that Texar had
given up his threat, that ne had no time to
execute it.
Careful precautions were, however taken dur
ing the night. Perry and the assistant over
seers stationed sehtries round the estate, and 4
particularly watched the banks of the river.
The blacks had been cautioned to retreat on the
palisades in of an alarm, and a sentry was
on guard at the gate.
lTo BE CONTINUED NEXT SUNDAY.